Absentee ballots are still to be counted after the presidential primary in Palau, but the incumbent Tommy Remengesau Jr looks to have a secured a substantial majority over his closest contender, Senator Surangel Whipps Jr.

The four candidates set to contest the Primary Election in Palau next week are preparing for a last minute push to win popular support, but the incumbent Tommy Remengesau Jr remains the favourite to win, and to go on and retain the presidency.

The President of the Asian Development Bank, Takehiko Nakao, has arrived in Palau at the start of a rare overseas trip, the centrepiece of which will be a joint address to lawmakers in the National Congress later today.

A week before Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump lock horns in the US Presidential election in November, there will be a slightly smaller affair in Palau where President Tommy Remengesau Jr will be bidding for a third term in office.